Cyber Vigilance
Your First Line of Defense in the Federal Mission for Digital Security
by Chris Demery, Cybersecurity Program and Project Manager
In today’s hyper-connected world, technology is integral to nearly every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s managing our finances, working remotely or socializing, the convenience of the digital realm is undeniable. However, this convenience comes with a significant risk: cybersecurity threats, and if you are not careful your personal use of technology could impact the organization you work for. With hackers constantly evolving their techniques, the importance of exercising good cybersecurity practices has never been more critical.
Cybersecurity is not just a concern for government agencies or large corporations. In fact, individuals often are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Whether you are a combat engineer, officer, ally or civilian, adopting strong cybersecurity habits helps protect against identity theft, safeguard personal assets and support national security and the federal mission to defend critical infrastructure. This article will help you understand the importance of good cybersecurity in your daily life and to learn the steps each of us can take to bolster our digital
defenses.
Cybersecurity: A Shared Responsibility
The government plays a vital role in cybersecurity by safeguarding national assets and critical infrastructure. Beyond programmatic efforts to secure Information technology (IT) networks and operational technology (OT) systems, comprehensive cybersecurity relies on the shared efforts of every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and the Department of Defense, which is supported in its programmatic cybersecurity efforts by consultants such as Black & Veatch. Even a small mistake, such as using a weak password or falling for a phishing scam, can have ripple effects that compromise larger systems and networks.
For example, a hacker who gains access to a personal email account could potentially exploit weak points in a corporate or governmental network. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasize the importance of public awareness and vigilance. They offer resources, including the “Stop. Think. Connect.” Campaign, to help individuals understand the role they play in the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. The federal mission of protecting national security relies not only on government agencies but also on the collective effort of every individual practicing good cybersecurity hygiene.
Why Cybersecurity Matters Most
Safeguarding Personal Information - As a combat engineer, you understand the importance of securing critical infrastructure and ensuring operational readiness. Your personal information —passwords, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers — is highly valuable to cybercriminals. A breach of your personal data can lead to identity theft, unauthorized financial transactions, and a cascade of legal and financial problems that Cyber Vigilance: Your First Line of Defense may take years to resolve. Just as you meticulously plan and fortify defenses in the field, it is crucial to safeguard your personal information to maintain both personal and mission security.
Defending Financial Assets - You know the importance of securing supply lines and resources to ensure mission success. Similarly, online banking, shopping and investment platforms have become the norm, but they also expose individuals to potential financial fraud. Without proper cybersecurity measures, criminals can drain accounts, make unauthorized purchases or even steal your digital assets such as cryptocurrency. Just as you fortify physical structures and clear obstacles in the field, it is essential to implement strong cybersecurity practices to protect your financial assets and maintain operational readiness.
Supporting the Federal Mission - Cybersecurity is not just about personal protection; it has implications for national security. Government agencies rely on secure networks to defend against cyber espionage and attacks that target critical infrastructure that include energy grids, water supplies and military communications. When individuals fall victim to cyberattacks, it can open pathways for hackers to infiltrate larger systems, posing threats to the country’s security.
Preserving Privacy - As our devices become smarter, so do the ways they collect, store and share information. From fitness trackers to smart home devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) continuously gathers data. Weak cybersecurity in these devices can lead to unauthorized access, surveillance and loss of privacy in your own home.
Promoting Trust in Digital Infrastructure - In the military, trust and reliability are the cornerstones of any successful operation. Whether you are a business owner or a regular consumer, trust in digital services is crucial for a functioning economy. Weak cybersecurity practices that lead to frequent data breaches and scams erode confidence in online services, impeding progress and innovation in the digital economy. Just as we rely on secure communication and dependable systems in the field, it is essential to promote strong cybersecurity measures to maintain trust and ensure the integrity of our digital infrastructure.
Take Control of Your Cybersecurity
As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats. Whether it is personal data, financial assets or national security, the risks are real — and growing. But by adopting the best cybersecurity practices, we can protect ourselves, contribute to a safer online environment and support the government’s efforts to defend against cyber threats. In this interconnected world, cybersecurity no longer is optional — it is essential. By taking simple, proactive steps, we can secure our personal information, safeguard our assets and reinforce the digital infrastructure that our society depends on. The power to protect begins with you.
Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips: How You Can Stay Safe Online
Implementing good cybersecurity practices does not require extensive technical knowledge. By following these simple yet powerful tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords - Ensure your passwords are complex, with a combination of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays, names of pets or family members. Most importantly, do not reuse the same password across multiple platforms. A password manager can help keep track of unique passwords for each account.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring not just a password, but also a second form of verification — like a text message code or biometric scan. Even if hackers obtain your password, MFA makes it significantly harder for them to gain access to your accounts.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attacks - Phishing attacks often come in the form of emails, texts or phone calls that often have a sense of urgency to them and appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually attempts to steal personal information. Always double-check the sender’s information and avoid clicking on suspicious links. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through their official website or phone number.
Regularly Update Software and Devices - Outdated software is a prime target for hackers, as vulnerabilities in older versions are often well-known. Keep your operating systems, apps and antivirus software up to date to ensure they have the latest security patches.
Install and Use a Reputable Antivirus Program - A good antivirus program can detect and eliminate malicious software before it causes harm. Set your antivirus software to run regular scans and ensure it automatically updates to stay ahead of new threats.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions - Public Wi-Fi networks often are unencrypted, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, shopping or any activity that requires sensitive information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
Backup Your Data Regularly - Ransomware attacks — when hackers lock you out of your own files and demand payment for access — are becoming increasingly common. Regularly backing up your data to an external hard drive or cloud service ensures you can recover your files without paying a ransom if such an attack occurs.
Limit the Personal Information You Share Online - The more personal information you share on social media or other platforms, the easier it is for hackers to build profiles and use that information against you. Be cautious about what you post and adjust privacy settings to limit access to your information.
Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network - Your home network is the gateway to all your connected devices. Change the default password on your router to something strong and unique, and make sure it uses encryption (preferably WPA3). Additionally, hide your network’s SSID (the name of your Wi-Fi network) from public view.
Be Wary of Downloading Unknown Apps or Software - Cybercriminals often disguise malware as legitimate apps. Only download software and apps from trusted sources such as official app stores or verified websites. Before downloading, read reviews and check for any red flags that could indicate malicious activity.
In the military, we understand that vigilance and preparedness are key to mission success. Cybersecurity is no different. By adopting strong cybersecurity practices, we not only protect our personal information and financial assets but also contribute to the broader mission of national security. Every combat engineer, officer, ally and civilian plays a crucial role in this digital battlefield. As we fortify our defenses against cyber threats, we ensure that our digital infrastructure remains resilient and trustworthy.
Remember, the power to protect begins with you. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and together we can defend the federal mission and protect national security.
This article first appeared in Army Engineer Magazine, Winter 2025